I have kept chameleons for 9 years, this ended last month when my last one died but I still have a bearded dragon that uses UVB. Anyway I have always worn contact lenses, since long before I kept any lizards, and I don't believe my eyesight has been affected by the UVB, despite having 5 vivs on...
I think you should have lent your boyfriend the money to take his chameleon to see a vet. Asking people on a forum for help when the chameleon is seriously ill is a waste of time (waiting for replies) when only an expert vet can actually do anything. In England people can be prosecuted for not...
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Take comfort in the fact you rescued him (well done) and gave him a chance. You did your best but it was too little too late sadly:(
100% the response I was going to give. A vet is unavoidable from those photos. I was interested to see the photos as my own bearded dragon had a problem with one of his eyes. I took him to see a vet and he had to be put out whilst the vet examined his eye. My beardie had a puffy watering eye...